By ALIN HETT
Hays Post
Families will have the opportunity to explore children’s wellness in an upcoming event hosted by the Chamber in Hays in partnership with the Leadership Hays class.
The event will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the ARC Park and is designed to help children and families think about wellness in a broader way.
“We really wanted to kind of tie in something that's fun and educational, as well as just gets kids outside,” said Dinah Newman, who serves as an event and program coordinator for the Chamber in Hays and is a member of the Leadership Hays class.
Newman said the Leadership Hays class was tasked with creating a project focused on children, and members quickly found themselves drawn toward the topic of mental wellness.
“We also wanted to tie in mental health and just some wellness factors,” Newman said. “It's very much just brushed over.”
With that in mind, the event will feature a variety of outdoor activities intended to encourage both physical and mental well-being. One activity Newman said she is especially excited about is a yoga and meditation station led by Macy Graham.
“I feel like it's good for kids to remember that they can slow down and do more slower activities like yoga or meditating,” Newman said.
She said many children might not otherwise have opportunities to try activities like yoga.
Throughout the evening, organizers hope children leave not only entertained, but also with a better understanding of wellness beyond diet and exercise.
“I think to kids it's advertised as a very simple, if you eat your fruits and veggies and you get 30 minutes of exercise, you'll get fit and be in good shape,” Newman said. “I think that we need to embrace that there's more to wellness than just physical health.”
Newman said during the planning phase, it was important to think about what the kids would remember and enjoy.
"I think keeping what the kids are going to get out of it at the front of our minds has been important," Newman said. "We've narrowed down our activities based off of what we think the kids will remember."
Newman said the event aims to introduce children to other aspects of well-being, including mental, spiritual and emotional wellness in age-appropriate ways.
“Our mental health station is going to be planting a seed,” Newman said. “Kind of talk about how planting a seed is similar to planting good thoughts in your mind and keeping a positive mental well-being.”
Newman also hopes the event encourages parents to continue those conversations at home.
“I hope the event helps broaden that wellness conversation,” Newman said. “We are starting with the kids, but it does take a parent getting them to the event to kind of cultivate that energy as well.”
In addition to wellness activities, the event will include giveaways and prizes for families, including pool passes, outdoor games, snacks, a full spike ball set and popsicles.
“If anything, it'll be fun,” Newman said. “A good way to get your whole family outside.”